The Charleston Gazettereports Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s office said it dropped the ICF audit because Frontier “answered or addressed” issues raised in a memo produced by an out-of-state independent consulting firm.

ICF’s document was so scathing of the state government’s handling of federal broadband stimulus funds, the governor’s office kept it secret until a copy was independently leaked to the Charleston newspaper. The governor’s office said it initially withheld the “internal memorandum” produced by Vienna, Va.-based ICF International because it proved “embarrassing to some people.”

Taxpayers underwrote the construction of a Frontier Communications’ owned and operated fiber broadband network so fragmented in its construction, the only entity likely to benefit is Frontier Communications;

ICF found West Virginia’s broadband grant program created an “unintended monopoly” for Frontier Communications, and an unusable ‘open access’ network except for Frontier;”

Frontier’s documentation and expense reports, submitted for reimbursement by taxpayers were inadequate and could have resulted in double billing;

Frontier overbuilt its network with excessive numbers of fiber strands three to six times above industry standards, driving up construction costs.

Frontier’s called the ICF report “worthless” and accused the consultant of using inaccurate and stale comments that repeat “previously repudiated allegations.

The National Broadband Map (NBM) is a searchable and interactive website that allows users to view broadband availability across every neighborhood in the United States.

The NBM was created by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and in partnership with 50 states, five territories and the District of Columbia. The NBM is part of NTIA’s State Broadband Initiative. The NBM is updated approximately every six months and was first published on February 17, 2011.

MuniNetworks.org, says they provide resources to get educated about what other communities have done. The site has compiled information about municipal broadband initiatives across the country, and have compiled a community fiber map of the USA. The goal is to create a comprehensive resource for community organizers. Users can explore the projects in different states through the Community Network map.

One of the biggest obstacles organizers are likely to face are laws discouraging or preventing governments from competing with private broadband providers. So far 19 states have passed such laws.

The wireless spectrum with the longest range and penetration is the 600 MHz band, with over 120 MHz now becoming available. That UHF spectrum is currently controlled by television group owners – who use it without paying one dime to the US Treasury. The FCC is required to raise money to pay off the $25 billion FirstNet first responder LTE network.

You don’t have to be a telecommunications genius to solve the problem of ubquitous broadband nationwide.

If 40 MHz of the 120 MHz were available for unlicensed use – and dedicated to both communities and citizens – perhaps $100 billion could be saved. With 40 Mhz, cities should be able to deliver 150 Mbps or more on each sector, covering 10 square miles.

Reserving 40 MHz for “unlicensed” use by municipalities might be seriously considered by Tom Wheeler, the presumed new FCC chair.

As the previous chairman of the cable lobby (NCTA) and wireless lobby (CTIA), Tom Wheeler may be an effective lobbyist for the future of telecommunications in the United States and The World.

Disrupting the trillion dollar telecommunications business in the United States could be a good thing. It would save $100 billion over fiber plant. Deliver ubiquitous public services. Benefit everyone.

Cheap and ubiquitous wireless broadband ($10-$20/month) could stimulate the economy and generate income that can be taxed.

Wireless broadband is our best shot at delivering a cost/effective, broadband economy. The 600 MHz band could change everything.